Gallery: New Life Appeal Charity Ball

March 16, 2009

Updated: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 (09:54)

Dancing at the ball

THE New Life Appeal swung into action on Friday, March 6 with a charity ball that had guests dancing until Saturday morning. More than 150 people joined The Hunts Post at the Burgess Hall in St Ives to raise money for Hinchingbrooke Hospital s special ca

THE New Life Appeal swung into action on Friday, March 6 with a charity ball that had guests dancing until Saturday morning.

More than 150 people joined The Hunts Post at the Burgess Hall in St Ives to raise money for Hinchingbrooke Hospital's special care baby unit and maternity unit.

The night allowed guests to eat and drink whilst listening to the singing of Katrina Polfrey, and then to let their hair down on the dance floor to the sounds of the Senators.

And, as with most charitable occasion, there was also the chance for the generous to empty their wallets by bidding for items in the charity auction.

Editor of The Hunts Post, Andy Veale, said: "It was a very enjoyable and profitable evening. The money is still coming in but we expect to have made a profit of at least £2,000.

"There is also the opportunity to double this through a generous charitable scheme run by Archant, the parent company of The Hunts Post."

The evening could become an annual event, if those working hard behind the scenes agree to again lend their support.

"The event could not have got off the ground without the hard work and support of a number of people and companies," added Mr Veale. "Pat McGuinness, who compered the evening, his wife Vee who helped with the organisation, and Mike Lynch who helped from the beginning as well as Kirsty McKenzie, John Kane and the Dreamdrops committee."

The evening also received support from a number of companies which provided sponsorship: Stagecoach, M S Lynch and AS Consultancy all supported The Hunts Post ball.

"I would personally like to thank the firms who support this event, the people who bid for - and donated - the auction items, and everyone who attended - especially those civic dignitaries who turned down other engagements to support the hospital and The Hunts Post," said Mr Veale.

Money raised on the evening will be added to the £20,000 plus New Life Appeal fund and will be made available to the hospital to spend on improving the maternity unit for expectant parents and buying the latest equipment for the special care baby unit.

INFORMATION: To make a donation to the New Life Appeal, or to organise a fundraising event, e-mail editor@huntspost.co.uk